US20170214029A1 - Battery terminal - Google Patents
Battery terminal Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20170214029A1 US20170214029A1 US15/397,775 US201715397775A US2017214029A1 US 20170214029 A1 US20170214029 A1 US 20170214029A1 US 201715397775 A US201715397775 A US 201715397775A US 2017214029 A1 US2017214029 A1 US 2017214029A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- fastening portion
- base end
- cut
- battery terminal
- cuts
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 32
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 32
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 32
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000002788 crimping Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 4
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004049 embossing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- H01M2/30—
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R11/00—Individual connecting elements providing two or more spaced connecting locations for conductive members which are, or may be, thereby interconnected, e.g. end pieces for wires or cables supported by the wire or cable and having means for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal, or conductive member, blocks of binding posts
- H01R11/11—End pieces or tapping pieces for wires, supported by the wire and for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal or conductive member
- H01R11/28—End pieces consisting of a ferrule or sleeve
- H01R11/281—End pieces consisting of a ferrule or sleeve for connections to batteries
- H01R11/286—End pieces consisting of a ferrule or sleeve for connections to batteries having means for improving contact between battery post and clamping member, e.g. uneven interior surface
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/50—Current conducting connections for cells or batteries
- H01M50/543—Terminals
- H01M50/564—Terminals characterised by their manufacturing process
- H01M50/567—Terminals characterised by their manufacturing process by fixing means, e.g. screws, rivets or bolts
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries
Definitions
- the invention relates to a battery terminal.
- Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-33783 discloses a battery terminal to be connected to a battery for an automotive vehicle or the like.
- the battery terminal includes a fastening portion to be fastened to a battery post that stands on the battery.
- the fastening portion has a tubular shape that is partially open in a circumferential direction and is deformed and reduced in diameter and fastened to the battery post by having two facing portions on open end parts approach each other. The facing portions caused to approach each other by fastening a bolt and a nut.
- the fastening portion of the battery terminal described above has a relatively high rigidity, and is not easily reduced in diameter to conform entirely to the outer shape of the battery post. Thus, a clearance may be formed between the fastening portion and the battery post and a holding force may not be sufficient. Further, a clearance between the open end parts of the fastening portion and the battery post enable the open end parts to be deformed and folded into the clearance by a strong fastening force. If the open end parts of the fastening portion are deformed, the fastening portion cannot be fastened sufficiently and a holding force may be reduced when the battery terminal is fastened again to the battery post for maintenance or the like.
- the invention was completed based on the above situation and aims to improve close contact of a battery terminal with a battery post.
- the invention relates to a battery terminal with a fastening portion that is partially open in a circumferential direction and includes a flange projecting substantially radially out. Two facing portions project substantially radially out from open ends of the fastening portion and substantially face each other in the circumferential direction.
- the fastening portion can be reduced in diameter and fastened to a battery post by causing the facing portions to approach each other.
- the flange of the fastening portion has at least one cut for partially reducing a thickness of the fastening portion in a radial direction.
- the battery terminal may further include at least one wire connecting portion to be connected to a wire, and at least one coupling that couples the wire connecting portion and the fastening portion.
- the cut may be formed on a base end of the fastening that is connected to the coupling.
- the base end of the fastening portion has a relatively high rigidity, but the cut enables the base end to be deformed more easily into close contact with the battery post.
- the cut may be provided on an intermediate part between a base end of the fastening portion and the open ends.
- the intermediate part of the fastening portion is deformed more easily into close contact with the battery post.
- the cut may be formed by recessing an outer circumferential surface of the fastening portion.
- the inner circumferential surface of the fastening portion can be a smooth surface without any unevenness.
- the battery terminal may further include at least one wire connecting portion to be connected to a wire, and at least one coupling for coupling the wire connecting portion and the fastening portion. Cuts may be formed on a base end of the fastening portion connected to the coupling and an intermediate part between the base end and the open ends. A thickness of the fastening portion in the cut formed on the base end may be smaller than a thickness of the fastening portion in the cut formed on the intermediate part. Thus, the entire fastening portion can be deformed easily in a well-balanced manner by making the thickness in the cut on the more rigid base end be smaller than the thickness in the cut formed on the intermediate part.
- the open ends and the base end may be arranged at substantially opposite positions across a center axis of the fastening portion, and/or the cuts may be formed substantially symmetrically with respect to a direction orthogonal to a facing direction of the open ends and the base end. According to this configuration, the entire fastening portion can be deformed easily in a well-balanced manner.
- the facing portions may be reinforced by having a plate material folded on opposite sides in a facing direction at least partly overlapped on upper sides thereof.
- the cut makes the fastening portion easily deform in conformity with the outer shape of the battery post, and close contact with the battery post can be improved.
- FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a battery terminal in a first embodiment.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the battery terminal.
- FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the battery terminal.
- FIG. 4 is a front view showing the battery terminal.
- FIG. 5 is a plan view of the battery terminal showing a state where a fastening portion is not deformed.
- FIG. 6 is a plan view of the battery terminal showing a state where the fastening portion is deformed.
- FIG. 7 is a front view showing the battery terminal connected to a battery post.
- FIG. 8 is a section showing the battery terminal connected to the battery post.
- FIG. 9 is a plan view of a battery terminal with a second arrangement of cuts.
- FIG. 10 is a plan view of a battery terminal with a third arrangement of cuts.
- FIG. 11 is a plan view of a battery terminal with a fourth arrangement of cuts.
- FIG. 12 is a plan view of a battery terminal with a fifth arrangement of cuts.
- FIG. 13 is a plan view of a battery terminal with a sixth arrangement of cuts.
- FIG. 14 is a plan view of a battery terminal with a seventh arrangement of cuts.
- a first embodiment of the invention is described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8 .
- a battery terminal in this embodiment is to be connected to a battery post P standing on a battery for an automotive vehicle or the like.
- the battery post P has a truncated substantially conical or frustum shape projecting from the upper surface of a battery body.
- upper and lower sides of FIG. 1 are referred to as upper and lower sides
- upper and lower sides of FIG. 3 are referred to as right and left sides
- left and right sides of FIG. 3 are referred to as front and rear sides in each constituent member.
- the battery terminal includes a terminal body 10 , a cam plate 50 formed separately from the terminal body 10 , and a fastening tool with a bolt 61 and a nut 62 .
- the bolt 61 includes a substantially rectangular, polygonal or non-circular portion 63 and a male screw 64 .
- the nut 62 is polygonal and threadedly engages the male screw 64 .
- the terminal body 10 is integral or unitary with a fastening portion 11 to be fastened to the battery post P and a wire connecting portion 12 to be connected to an unillustrated wire.
- the fastening portion 11 has a substantially circular shape partially open in a circumferential direction and surrounds the battery post P over substantially the entire circumference to sandwich the battery post P from opposite left and right sides.
- Two facing portions 14 project radially out from open ends 13 of the fastening portion 11 and face each other in the circumferential direction.
- the fastening portion 11 is reduced in diameter and fastened to the battery post P by the facing portions 14 approaching each other.
- the fastening portion 11 has cuts 20 that are described in detail later.
- the wire connecting portion 12 of the terminal body 10 has a box 15 and a stud bolt 16 projects from a box 15 .
- a terminal fitting T connected to an end part of the wire is connected to the box 15 , as shown in FIG. 8 . More particularly, the terminal fitting T is overlapped on the upper surface of the box 15 with the stud bolt 16 inserted through an unillustrated through hole, and is pressed against and fixed to the box 15 by fastening an unillustrated fixing nut above the terminal fitting T.
- the terminal body 10 includes a coupling 17 that couples the fastening portion 11 and the wire connecting portion 12 .
- the open end parts 13 of the fastening portion 11 and a base end part 18 of the fastening portion 11 connected to the coupling 17 are arranged at substantially opposite positions across a center axis of the fastening portion 11 .
- the two facing portions 14 , the fastening portion 11 , the coupling 17 and the wire connecting portion 12 are arranged substantially linearly side by side.
- the terminal body 10 is formed by vertically overlapping and assembling a lower member 30 and an upper member 40 .
- the lower member 30 is formed into a predetermined shape by applying, folding, embossing and/or bending and the like to a plate material of metal (e.g. iron) punched out into a predetermined shape.
- a plate material of metal e.g. iron
- the lower member 30 includes an annular portion 31 that is circular in plan view.
- the annular portion 31 has a dimension substantially equal to or slightly larger than a maximum outer diameter at the lower end of the battery post P.
- a fitting 32 is provided in front of the annular portion 31 and the head 63 of the bolt 61 can be fit therein.
- the fitting 32 has a non-circular shape (such as a substantially rectangular or polygonal box shape) to be able to stop the rotation of the head 63 of the bolt 61 .
- a through hole 33 is formed on the upper surface of the fitting 32 and the male screw 64 of the bolt 61 is vertically insertable therethrough. The head 63 of the bolt 61 is fit into the fitting 32 from below and the male screw 64 projects upward of the fitting 32 .
- the lower member 30 includes inclination suppressing portions 34 for suppressing the inclination of the cam plate 50 by being located at both left and right sides of the cam plate 50 to be described later.
- the inclination suppressing portions 34 are provided at both left and right sides of the fitting portion 32 .
- the lower member 30 includes separation suppressing portions 35 for suppressing vertical separation of the upper member 40 and the lower member 30 by locking an upper side of a flange 42 of the upper member 40 to be described later.
- the separation suppressing portions 35 are provided behind the inclination suppressing portions 34 .
- the lower member 30 includes a uniting portion 36 to be vertically overlapped on and united with the upper member 40 .
- the uniting portion 36 is provided on a rear end part of the annular portion 31 and is slightly above the annular portion 31 .
- the front end of the uniting portion 36 is connected to a stand-up portion 37 standing up substantially perpendicularly from the rear end edge of the annular portion 31 .
- Protrusions 38 project laterally on the rear end of the uniting portion 36 .
- the upper member 40 is formed into a predetermined shape by applying folding, embossing and/or bending and the like to a plate material of metal (e.g. copper) punched or cut out into a specified shape.
- metal e.g. copper
- the upper member 40 is provided with the fastening portion 11 .
- the fastening portion 11 includes a tubular portion 41 standing up substantially perpendicularly along the outer circumferential surface of the battery post P and the flange 42 projecting substantially horizontally out from the lower end of the tubular portion 41 .
- the tubular portion 41 is formed by burring and stands up from the inner circumferential edge of the flange 42 .
- the inner circumferential surface of the tubular portion 41 is a smooth surface without any unevenness.
- the tubular portion 41 is arranged above and at a distance from the annular portion 31 substantially in a coaxial positional relationship.
- a front end part of the flange 42 is in contact with the lower surfaces of the separation suppressing portions 35 or arranged to face those lower surfaces with a tiny clearance therebetween.
- the fastening portion 11 is deformed in a plate surface direction of the flange 42 .
- the upper member 40 has the two facing portions 14 that extend horizontally forward from the flange 42 .
- Each facing portion 14 is reinforced by having a plate material folded on opposite sides in a facing direction overlapped on upper sides thereof.
- the facing portions 14 are placed on the upper surface of the fitting portion 32 of the lower member 30 .
- Escaping recesses 43 are formed on facing surfaces of the facing portions 14 to prevent contact with the male screw 64 of the bolt 61 . Further, outer side surfaces (surfaces opposite the facing surfaces) of the facing portions 14 define contact surfaces 44 that contact the cam plate 50 to be described later.
- the contact surfaces 44 are folded parts of the plate material and are curved smoothly.
- the upper member 40 has the wire connecting portion 12 and the coupling 17 that couples the wire connecting portion 12 and the fastening portion 11 .
- the coupling 17 is a horizontal plate that couples the upper surface of the box 15 of the wire connecting portion 12 to the flange 42 of the fastening portion 11 .
- the coupling 17 is provided with crimping pieces 45 for integrally uniting the upper member 40 and the lower member 30 .
- the crimping pieces 45 extend down from both left and right side edges of the coupling 17 .
- the crimping pieces 45 are provided in an intermediate part of the coupling 17 in a front-back direction.
- the coupling 17 is overlapped on the upper surface of the uniting portion 36 of the lower member 30 and the crimping pieces 45 are crimped to be held in close contact with the lower surface of the uniting portion 36 . In this way, relative displacements of the lower member 30 and the upper member 40 in the vertical and lateral directions are restricted. Further, the crimping pieces 45 are located between the stand-up portion 37 and the protrusions 38 of the lower member 30 . In this way, relative displacements of the lower member 30 and the upper member 40 in the front-back direction are restricted.
- Cut recesses 46 are formed on left and right sides of a front end part of the coupling 17 (sides in front of the crimping pieces 45 ), as shown in FIG. 3 .
- the cut recesses 46 are rectangular and recessed toward a center from both left and right ends of the coupling 17 .
- the cut recess 46 includes a longitudinal edge part 47 parallel to the front-back direction and a lateral edge part 48 parallel to the lateral direction.
- the cam plate 50 is formed into a predetermined shape by applying bending and like to a metal plate material having a larger thickness than the lower member 30 and the upper member 40 . As shown in FIG. 4 , the cam plate 50 is bilaterally symmetrical and includes a horizontal portion 51 extending substantially horizontally over the facing portions 14 and two inclined portions 52 inclined obliquely out from left and right end edges of the horizontal portion 51 .
- the horizontal portion 51 is formed with an insertion hole 53 through which the male screw 64 of the bolt 61 is vertically insertable.
- the left and right inclined portions 52 are inclined to be more spaced apart in the lateral direction with distance from the horizontal portion 51 . Lower ends of the inclined portions 52 of the cam plate 50 are in contact with the contact surfaces 44 of the facing portions 14 , as shown in FIG. 4 , in a state before the fastening tool 60 is fastened.
- the male screw 64 is inserted through the through hole 53 of the cam plate 50 and the nut 62 is engaged threadedly with the male screw 64 above the cam plate 50 .
- the cam plate 50 is fastened by the fastening tool 60 , thereby being displaced down.
- the inner surfaces of the left and right inclined portions 52 define pressing surfaces 54 capable of pressing the contact surface 44 of the facing portions 14 inward (directions in which the facing portions 14 approach each other) as the cam plate 50 is displaced.
- the fastening portion 11 is provided with cuts 20 for partially reducing a thickness of the fastening portion 11 in a radial direction.
- the cuts 20 are formed by recessing an outer circumferential surface side of the fastening portion 11 .
- the cuts 20 are formed on the flange 42 of the fastening portion 11 and partially cut off an outer edge of the flange 42 .
- the cuts 20 are provided on the base end 18 of the fastening portion 11 and intermediate parts between the base end 18 and the open end parts 13 .
- the cuts 20 on the base end 18 are provided on both left and right sides of the base end 18 .
- the left and right base end cuts 20 A are symmetrical with respect to a center of the fastening portion 11 in the lateral direction.
- the base end cut 20 A includes a base end longitudinal edge 21 extending in the front-back direction, a base end lateral edge 22 extending in the lateral direction and a base end curved edge 23 curved and connected between the base end longitudinal edge 21 and the base end lateral edge 22 .
- the base end longitudinal edge 21 is parallel to the front-back direction and the base end lateral edge 22 is parallel to the lateral direction.
- the base end cut 20 A is connected to and in front of the cut recess 46 of the coupling 17 .
- the base end longitudinal edge 21 of the base end cut 20 A and the longitudinal edge part 47 of the cut recess 46 are connected straight.
- intermediate cuts 20 B The cuts 20 provided on the intermediate part (hereinafter, intermediate cuts 20 B) is provided in a middle between the open end part 13 and the base end part 18 .
- the intermediate cuts 20 B are provided on both left and right sides of the fastening portion 11 and are symmetrical with respect to the center of the fastening portion 11 in the lateral direction.
- the intermediate cut 20 B has a non-circular (e.g. rectangular or polygonal) shape slightly longer in the front-back direction.
- the intermediate cut 20 B includes an intermediate longitudinal edge 24 extending in the front-back direction and front and rear intermediate lateral edge parts 25 extending in the lateral direction.
- the intermediate longitudinal edge 24 is parallel to the front-back direction and the intermediate lateral edges 25 are parallel to the lateral direction.
- a thickness T 1 of the fastening portion 11 in the base end cut 20 A is equal to a thickness T 2 of the fastening portion 11 in the intermediate cut 20 B.
- the thickness T 1 of the fastening portion 11 in the base end cut 20 A is a radial dimension of the fastening portion 11 from the base end curved edge part 23 to the inner circumferential surface of the fastening portion 11 (inner circumferential surface of the tubular portion 41 ), and the thickness T 2 of the fastening portion 11 in the intermediate cut 20 B is a radial dimension of the fastening portion 11 from the intermediate longitudinal edge 24 to the inner circumferential surface of the fastening portion 11 .
- the thickness T 1 of the fastening portion 11 in the base end cut 20 A and the thickness T 2 of the fastening portion 11 in the intermediate cut 20 B are both slightly larger than half the thickness of parts of the fastening portion 11 where no cut 20 is provided.
- All of the cuts 20 are formed symmetrically with respect to the lateral direction (direction orthogonal to a facing direction of the open ends 13 and the base end 18 ). Note that, the entire terminal body 10 including not only the cuts 20 , but also the facing portions 14 , the coupling 17 and the wire connecting portion 12 is bilaterally symmetrical.
- the fastening portion 11 of the battery terminal is fit to the battery post P.
- the fastening portion 11 is fit externally around the battery post P with a slight clearance defined therebetween.
- the fastening tool 60 is fastened.
- the nut 62 is rotated about an axis of the bolt 61 using a tool, the nut 62 is displaced relatively down with respect to the male screw 64 and toward the head 63 .
- the cam plate 50 pressed by the nut 62 is lowered gradually and the pressure surfaces 54 of the cam plate 50 press the contact surfaces 44 of the facing portions 14 inward.
- the facing portions 14 gradually approach each other and the fastening portion 11 is deformed and reduced in diameter as an interval between the facing portions 14 is narrowed.
- the base end part 18 of the fastening portion 11 comes into contact with the battery post P and a clearance is formed around it. As the interval between the facing portions 14 is narrowed, a lateral dimension of the fastening portion 11 is reduced. At this time, the fastening portion 11 is deformed to bend inward in parts where the base end cuts 20 A and the intermediate cuts 20 B are formed. Thus, as shown in FIG. 6 , the fastening portion 11 is deformed and reduced in diameter to narrow the lateral dimension of the fastening portion 11 and to displace the open end parts 13 toward the base end part 18 .
- the entire inner circumferential surface of the tubular portion 41 is held in close contact with the battery post P without leaving any clearance.
- the fastening portion 11 is fastened sufficiently and fixed, and the battery terminal is connected conductively to the battery post P.
- the horizontal portion 51 of the cam plate 50 is in contact with the upper surfaces of the facing portions 14 . In the above way, the operation of connecting the battery terminal to the battery post P is completed.
- the battery terminal of this embodiment includes the fastening portion 11 formed to be partially open in the circumferential direction and the two facing portions 14 projecting radially out from the open end parts 13 of the fastening portion 11 and face each other in the circumferential direction.
- the fastening portion 11 is reduced in diameter and fastened to the battery post P as the facing portions 14 approach each other, and the cuts 20 are provided to partially reduce the thickness of the fastening portion 11 .
- the cuts 20 make the fastening portion 11 easily deformed in conformity with the outer shape of the battery post P, the formation of a clearance between the fastening portion 11 and the battery post P can be suppressed.
- a holding force can be enhanced by entirely bringing the fastening portion 11 into surface contact with the battery post P.
- the fastening portion 11 can be sufficiently fastened in fastening the battery terminal to the battery post P again for maintenance or the like, with the result that a reduction of the holding force can be prevented.
- the battery terminal further includes the wire connecting portion 12 to be connected to the wire and the coupling 17 for coupling the wire connecting portion 12 and the fastening portion 11 , and the cuts 20 are formed on the base end 18 of the fastening portion 11 connected to the coupling 17 .
- the cuts 20 are provided on the intermediate parts between the base end 18 and the open end parts 13 . According to this configuration, since the intermediate parts of the fastening portion 11 are deformed easily, the formation of a clearance between the fastening portion 11 and the battery post P can be suppressed.
- the cuts 20 are formed by recessing the outer circumferential surface of the fastening portion 11 .
- the inner circumferential surface of the fastening portion 11 can be a flat surface without any unevenness.
- the open end parts 13 and the base end 18 are arranged at the substantially opposite positions across the center axis of the fastening portion 11 , and the cuts 20 are symmetrical with respect to the direction orthogonal to the facing direction of the open end parts 13 and the base end 18 . According to this configuration, the entire fastening portion 11 can be deformed easily in a well-balanced manner.
- a battery terminal according to a second embodiment of the invention is described with reference to FIG. 9 .
- the battery terminal of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a thickness T 1 of a fastening portion 11 in a base end cut 20 A is smaller than a thickness T 2 of the fastening portion 11 in an intermediate cut 20 B. Note that components substantially same as or similar to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference signs and not repeatedly described.
- the battery terminal in this embodiment includes the fastening portion 11 formed to be partially open in a circumferential direction and two facing portions 14 projecting radially out from open ends 13 of the fastening portion 11 and arranged to face each other in the circumferential direction, the fastening portion 11 is reduced in diameter and fastened to a battery post P by the fastening portions 14 approaching each other, and cuts 20 for partially reducing a thickness of the fastening portion 11 are provided.
- the cuts 20 include the base end cuts 20 A formed on a base end 18 of the fastening portion 11 connected to a coupling 17 , and the intermediate cuts 20 B formed on intermediate parts between the base end 18 and the open ends 13 .
- each base end cut 20 A is provided on both left and right sides of the base 18 , each base end cut 20 A includes a base end longitudinal edge 21 extending in a front-back direction, a base end lateral edge 22 extending in a lateral direction and a base end curved edge 23 curved and connected between the base end longitudinal edge 21 and the base end lateral edge 22 , and connected to and in front of cut recesses 46 of the coupling 17 .
- Two of the intermediate cuts 20 B are provided on each of the left and right sides of the fastening portion 11 .
- the intermediate cuts 20 B are provided at positions near the open ends 13 and at positions near the base end 18 between the open ends 13 and the base end 18 .
- Each intermediate cut 20 B has a rectangular shape slightly longer in the circumferential direction of the fastening portion 11 and includes an intermediate long edge 71 extending in the circumferential direction of the fastening portion 11 and two intermediate short edges 72 extending in a radial direction. Further, a cut depth (dimension in the radial direction) of the intermediate cut 20 B is smaller than that of the base end cut 20 A, and a cut width (dimension in the circumferential direction) of the intermediate cut 20 B is smaller than that of the base end cut 20 A. All of the cuts 20 are symmetrical with respect to the lateral direction (direction orthogonal to a facing direction of the open ends 13 and the base end 18 ) as in the first embodiment.
- the thickness T 1 of the fastening portion 11 in the base end cut 20 A is smaller than the thickness T 2 of the fastening portion 11 in the intermediate cut 20 B.
- the thickness T 1 of the fastening portion 11 in the base end cut 20 A is a radial dimension of the fastening portion 11 from the base end curved edge 23 to the inner circumferential surface of the fastening portion 11 (inner circumferential surface of a tubular portion 41 )
- the thickness T 2 of the fastening portion 11 in the intermediate cut 20 B is a radial dimension of the fastening portion 11 from the intermediate long edge 71 to the inner circumferential surface of the fastening portion 11 .
- the cuts 20 make the fastening portion 11 easily deformed in conformity with the outer shape of the battery post P as in the first embodiment.
- the formation of a clearance between the fastening portion 11 and the battery post P can be suppressed.
- the radial thickness T 1 of the fastening portion 11 in the base end cut 20 A is smaller than the radial thickness T 2 of the fastening portion 11 in the intermediate cut 20 B.
- the entire fastening portion 11 can be deformed easily in a well-balanced manner by making the thickness in the base end cut 20 A on the more rigid base end 18 smaller than the thickness in the intermediate cut 20 B.
- the battery terminal in which the fastening tool 60 is vertically fastened (fastened in a direction intersecting with the facing direction of the pair of facing portions 14 ) is illustrated in the above embodiments, there is no limitation to this.
- the invention can also be applied to battery terminals in which a fastening tool is laterally fastened (fastened in the facing direction of the pair of facing portions 14 ) or fastened along any other direction.
- terminal body 10 is formed by assembling the lower member 30 and the upper member 40 in the above embodiments, there is no limitation to this.
- the present invention can also be applied to terminal body portions integrally or unitarily formed such as by bending a single metal plate material.
- the facing portions 14 , the fastening portion 11 , the coupling 17 and the wire connecting portion 12 are arranged linearly side by side in the above embodiments, there is no limitation to this.
- the present invention can also be applied to such an arrangement in which two facing portions are located on sides at 90° from a coupling and a wire connecting portion with a fastening portion located therebetween.
- the cuts 20 include the base end cuts 20 A and the intermediate cuts 20 B in the above embodiments, there is no limitation to this.
- the cuts may include only the base end cuts 20 A.
- the cuts 20 include the base end cuts 20 A and the intermediate cuts 20 B in the above embodiments, there is no limitation to this.
- the cuts may include only the intermediate cuts 20 B.
- the intermediate cuts 20 B are provided on both left and right sides of the fastening portion 11 in the above embodiments, there is no limitation to this.
- the intermediate cut 20 B may be provided only on one side.
- the intermediate cuts 20 B are provided at the positions near the open ends 13 and at the positions near the base end 18 in the second embodiment, there is no limitation to this.
- the intermediate cuts 20 B may be provided only at positions near the base end 18 .
- the intermediate cuts 20 B are provided at the positions near the open ends 13 and at the positions near the base end 18 in the second embodiment, there is no limitation to this.
- the intermediate cuts 20 B may be provided only at positions near the open ends 13 .
Abstract
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The invention relates to a battery terminal.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-33783 discloses a battery terminal to be connected to a battery for an automotive vehicle or the like. The battery terminal includes a fastening portion to be fastened to a battery post that stands on the battery. The fastening portion has a tubular shape that is partially open in a circumferential direction and is deformed and reduced in diameter and fastened to the battery post by having two facing portions on open end parts approach each other. The facing portions caused to approach each other by fastening a bolt and a nut.
- The fastening portion of the battery terminal described above has a relatively high rigidity, and is not easily reduced in diameter to conform entirely to the outer shape of the battery post. Thus, a clearance may be formed between the fastening portion and the battery post and a holding force may not be sufficient. Further, a clearance between the open end parts of the fastening portion and the battery post enable the open end parts to be deformed and folded into the clearance by a strong fastening force. If the open end parts of the fastening portion are deformed, the fastening portion cannot be fastened sufficiently and a holding force may be reduced when the battery terminal is fastened again to the battery post for maintenance or the like.
- The invention was completed based on the above situation and aims to improve close contact of a battery terminal with a battery post.
- The invention relates to a battery terminal with a fastening portion that is partially open in a circumferential direction and includes a flange projecting substantially radially out. Two facing portions project substantially radially out from open ends of the fastening portion and substantially face each other in the circumferential direction. The fastening portion can be reduced in diameter and fastened to a battery post by causing the facing portions to approach each other. The flange of the fastening portion has at least one cut for partially reducing a thickness of the fastening portion in a radial direction.
- The battery terminal may further include at least one wire connecting portion to be connected to a wire, and at least one coupling that couples the wire connecting portion and the fastening portion.
- The cut may be formed on a base end of the fastening that is connected to the coupling. The base end of the fastening portion has a relatively high rigidity, but the cut enables the base end to be deformed more easily into close contact with the battery post.
- The cut may be provided on an intermediate part between a base end of the fastening portion and the open ends. Thus, the intermediate part of the fastening portion is deformed more easily into close contact with the battery post.
- The cut may be formed by recessing an outer circumferential surface of the fastening portion. Thus, the inner circumferential surface of the fastening portion can be a smooth surface without any unevenness.
- The battery terminal may further include at least one wire connecting portion to be connected to a wire, and at least one coupling for coupling the wire connecting portion and the fastening portion. Cuts may be formed on a base end of the fastening portion connected to the coupling and an intermediate part between the base end and the open ends. A thickness of the fastening portion in the cut formed on the base end may be smaller than a thickness of the fastening portion in the cut formed on the intermediate part. Thus, the entire fastening portion can be deformed easily in a well-balanced manner by making the thickness in the cut on the more rigid base end be smaller than the thickness in the cut formed on the intermediate part.
- The open ends and the base end may be arranged at substantially opposite positions across a center axis of the fastening portion, and/or the cuts may be formed substantially symmetrically with respect to a direction orthogonal to a facing direction of the open ends and the base end. According to this configuration, the entire fastening portion can be deformed easily in a well-balanced manner.
- The facing portions may be reinforced by having a plate material folded on opposite sides in a facing direction at least partly overlapped on upper sides thereof.
- According to the above, the cut makes the fastening portion easily deform in conformity with the outer shape of the battery post, and close contact with the battery post can be improved.
- These and other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that even though embodiments are described separately, single features may be combined to additional embodiments.
-
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a battery terminal in a first embodiment. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the battery terminal. -
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the battery terminal. -
FIG. 4 is a front view showing the battery terminal. -
FIG. 5 is a plan view of the battery terminal showing a state where a fastening portion is not deformed. -
FIG. 6 is a plan view of the battery terminal showing a state where the fastening portion is deformed. -
FIG. 7 is a front view showing the battery terminal connected to a battery post. -
FIG. 8 is a section showing the battery terminal connected to the battery post. -
FIG. 9 is a plan view of a battery terminal with a second arrangement of cuts. -
FIG. 10 is a plan view of a battery terminal with a third arrangement of cuts. -
FIG. 11 is a plan view of a battery terminal with a fourth arrangement of cuts. -
FIG. 12 is a plan view of a battery terminal with a fifth arrangement of cuts. -
FIG. 13 is a plan view of a battery terminal with a sixth arrangement of cuts. -
FIG. 14 is a plan view of a battery terminal with a seventh arrangement of cuts. - A first embodiment of the invention is described in detail with reference to
FIGS. 1 to 8 . A battery terminal in this embodiment is to be connected to a battery post P standing on a battery for an automotive vehicle or the like. The battery post P has a truncated substantially conical or frustum shape projecting from the upper surface of a battery body. In the following description, upper and lower sides ofFIG. 1 are referred to as upper and lower sides, upper and lower sides ofFIG. 3 are referred to as right and left sides, and left and right sides ofFIG. 3 are referred to as front and rear sides in each constituent member. - The battery terminal includes a
terminal body 10, acam plate 50 formed separately from theterminal body 10, and a fastening tool with abolt 61 and anut 62. Thebolt 61 includes a substantially rectangular, polygonal ornon-circular portion 63 and amale screw 64. Thenut 62 is polygonal and threadedly engages themale screw 64. - The
terminal body 10 is integral or unitary with a fasteningportion 11 to be fastened to the battery post P and awire connecting portion 12 to be connected to an unillustrated wire. Thefastening portion 11 has a substantially circular shape partially open in a circumferential direction and surrounds the battery post P over substantially the entire circumference to sandwich the battery post P from opposite left and right sides. Two facingportions 14 project radially out fromopen ends 13 of the fasteningportion 11 and face each other in the circumferential direction. Thefastening portion 11 is reduced in diameter and fastened to the battery post P by the facingportions 14 approaching each other. Thefastening portion 11 hascuts 20 that are described in detail later. - The
wire connecting portion 12 of theterminal body 10 has abox 15 and astud bolt 16 projects from abox 15. A terminal fitting T connected to an end part of the wire is connected to thebox 15, as shown inFIG. 8 . More particularly, the terminal fitting T is overlapped on the upper surface of thebox 15 with thestud bolt 16 inserted through an unillustrated through hole, and is pressed against and fixed to thebox 15 by fastening an unillustrated fixing nut above the terminal fitting T. - The
terminal body 10 includes acoupling 17 that couples thefastening portion 11 and thewire connecting portion 12. Theopen end parts 13 of thefastening portion 11 and abase end part 18 of thefastening portion 11 connected to thecoupling 17 are arranged at substantially opposite positions across a center axis of thefastening portion 11. In other words, the two facingportions 14, thefastening portion 11, thecoupling 17 and thewire connecting portion 12 are arranged substantially linearly side by side. - The
terminal body 10 is formed by vertically overlapping and assembling alower member 30 and anupper member 40. - The
lower member 30 is formed into a predetermined shape by applying, folding, embossing and/or bending and the like to a plate material of metal (e.g. iron) punched out into a predetermined shape. - The
lower member 30 includes anannular portion 31 that is circular in plan view. Theannular portion 31 has a dimension substantially equal to or slightly larger than a maximum outer diameter at the lower end of the battery post P. - A fitting 32 is provided in front of the
annular portion 31 and thehead 63 of thebolt 61 can be fit therein. The fitting 32 has a non-circular shape (such as a substantially rectangular or polygonal box shape) to be able to stop the rotation of thehead 63 of thebolt 61. A throughhole 33 is formed on the upper surface of the fitting 32 and themale screw 64 of thebolt 61 is vertically insertable therethrough. Thehead 63 of thebolt 61 is fit into the fitting 32 from below and themale screw 64 projects upward of the fitting 32. - The
lower member 30 includesinclination suppressing portions 34 for suppressing the inclination of thecam plate 50 by being located at both left and right sides of thecam plate 50 to be described later. Theinclination suppressing portions 34 are provided at both left and right sides of thefitting portion 32. - The
lower member 30 includesseparation suppressing portions 35 for suppressing vertical separation of theupper member 40 and thelower member 30 by locking an upper side of aflange 42 of theupper member 40 to be described later. Theseparation suppressing portions 35 are provided behind theinclination suppressing portions 34. - The
lower member 30 includes a unitingportion 36 to be vertically overlapped on and united with theupper member 40. The unitingportion 36 is provided on a rear end part of theannular portion 31 and is slightly above theannular portion 31. The front end of the unitingportion 36 is connected to a stand-upportion 37 standing up substantially perpendicularly from the rear end edge of theannular portion 31.Protrusions 38 project laterally on the rear end of the unitingportion 36. - The
upper member 40 is formed into a predetermined shape by applying folding, embossing and/or bending and the like to a plate material of metal (e.g. copper) punched or cut out into a specified shape. - The
upper member 40 is provided with thefastening portion 11. Thefastening portion 11 includes atubular portion 41 standing up substantially perpendicularly along the outer circumferential surface of the battery post P and theflange 42 projecting substantially horizontally out from the lower end of thetubular portion 41. Thetubular portion 41 is formed by burring and stands up from the inner circumferential edge of theflange 42. The inner circumferential surface of thetubular portion 41 is a smooth surface without any unevenness. Thetubular portion 41 is arranged above and at a distance from theannular portion 31 substantially in a coaxial positional relationship. Further, a front end part of theflange 42 is in contact with the lower surfaces of theseparation suppressing portions 35 or arranged to face those lower surfaces with a tiny clearance therebetween. Thefastening portion 11 is deformed in a plate surface direction of theflange 42. - The
upper member 40 has the two facingportions 14 that extend horizontally forward from theflange 42. Each facingportion 14 is reinforced by having a plate material folded on opposite sides in a facing direction overlapped on upper sides thereof. The facingportions 14 are placed on the upper surface of thefitting portion 32 of thelower member 30. - Escaping
recesses 43 are formed on facing surfaces of the facingportions 14 to prevent contact with themale screw 64 of thebolt 61. Further, outer side surfaces (surfaces opposite the facing surfaces) of the facingportions 14 definecontact surfaces 44 that contact thecam plate 50 to be described later. The contact surfaces 44 are folded parts of the plate material and are curved smoothly. - The
upper member 40 has thewire connecting portion 12 and thecoupling 17 that couples thewire connecting portion 12 and thefastening portion 11. Thecoupling 17 is a horizontal plate that couples the upper surface of thebox 15 of thewire connecting portion 12 to theflange 42 of thefastening portion 11. - The
coupling 17 is provided with crimpingpieces 45 for integrally uniting theupper member 40 and thelower member 30. The crimpingpieces 45 extend down from both left and right side edges of thecoupling 17. The crimpingpieces 45 are provided in an intermediate part of thecoupling 17 in a front-back direction. - The
coupling 17 is overlapped on the upper surface of the unitingportion 36 of thelower member 30 and the crimpingpieces 45 are crimped to be held in close contact with the lower surface of the unitingportion 36. In this way, relative displacements of thelower member 30 and theupper member 40 in the vertical and lateral directions are restricted. Further, the crimpingpieces 45 are located between the stand-upportion 37 and theprotrusions 38 of thelower member 30. In this way, relative displacements of thelower member 30 and theupper member 40 in the front-back direction are restricted. - Cut recesses 46 are formed on left and right sides of a front end part of the coupling 17 (sides in front of the crimping pieces 45), as shown in
FIG. 3 . The cut recesses 46 are rectangular and recessed toward a center from both left and right ends of thecoupling 17. Thecut recess 46 includes alongitudinal edge part 47 parallel to the front-back direction and alateral edge part 48 parallel to the lateral direction. - The
cam plate 50 is formed into a predetermined shape by applying bending and like to a metal plate material having a larger thickness than thelower member 30 and theupper member 40. As shown inFIG. 4 , thecam plate 50 is bilaterally symmetrical and includes ahorizontal portion 51 extending substantially horizontally over the facingportions 14 and twoinclined portions 52 inclined obliquely out from left and right end edges of thehorizontal portion 51. - The
horizontal portion 51 is formed with aninsertion hole 53 through which themale screw 64 of thebolt 61 is vertically insertable. The left and rightinclined portions 52 are inclined to be more spaced apart in the lateral direction with distance from thehorizontal portion 51. Lower ends of theinclined portions 52 of thecam plate 50 are in contact with the contact surfaces 44 of the facingportions 14, as shown inFIG. 4 , in a state before thefastening tool 60 is fastened. Themale screw 64 is inserted through the throughhole 53 of thecam plate 50 and thenut 62 is engaged threadedly with themale screw 64 above thecam plate 50. Thecam plate 50 is fastened by thefastening tool 60, thereby being displaced down. The inner surfaces of the left and rightinclined portions 52 definepressing surfaces 54 capable of pressing thecontact surface 44 of the facingportions 14 inward (directions in which the facingportions 14 approach each other) as thecam plate 50 is displaced. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , thefastening portion 11 is provided withcuts 20 for partially reducing a thickness of thefastening portion 11 in a radial direction. Thecuts 20 are formed by recessing an outer circumferential surface side of thefastening portion 11. Thecuts 20 are formed on theflange 42 of thefastening portion 11 and partially cut off an outer edge of theflange 42. - The
cuts 20 are provided on thebase end 18 of thefastening portion 11 and intermediate parts between thebase end 18 and theopen end parts 13. - The
cuts 20 on the base end 18 (hereinafter, referred to asbase end cuts 20A) are provided on both left and right sides of thebase end 18. The left and rightbase end cuts 20A are symmetrical with respect to a center of thefastening portion 11 in the lateral direction. - The base end cut 20A includes a base end
longitudinal edge 21 extending in the front-back direction, a base endlateral edge 22 extending in the lateral direction and a base end curvededge 23 curved and connected between the base endlongitudinal edge 21 and the base endlateral edge 22. The base endlongitudinal edge 21 is parallel to the front-back direction and the base endlateral edge 22 is parallel to the lateral direction. - The base end cut 20A is connected to and in front of the
cut recess 46 of thecoupling 17. The base endlongitudinal edge 21 of the base end cut 20A and thelongitudinal edge part 47 of thecut recess 46 are connected straight. - The
cuts 20 provided on the intermediate part (hereinafter,intermediate cuts 20B) is provided in a middle between theopen end part 13 and thebase end part 18. Theintermediate cuts 20B are provided on both left and right sides of thefastening portion 11 and are symmetrical with respect to the center of thefastening portion 11 in the lateral direction. - The
intermediate cut 20B has a non-circular (e.g. rectangular or polygonal) shape slightly longer in the front-back direction. Theintermediate cut 20B includes an intermediatelongitudinal edge 24 extending in the front-back direction and front and rear intermediatelateral edge parts 25 extending in the lateral direction. The intermediatelongitudinal edge 24 is parallel to the front-back direction and the intermediate lateral edges 25 are parallel to the lateral direction. - A thickness T1 of the
fastening portion 11 in the base end cut 20A is equal to a thickness T2 of thefastening portion 11 in theintermediate cut 20B. The thickness T1 of thefastening portion 11 in the base end cut 20A is a radial dimension of thefastening portion 11 from the base end curvededge part 23 to the inner circumferential surface of the fastening portion 11 (inner circumferential surface of the tubular portion 41), and the thickness T2 of thefastening portion 11 in theintermediate cut 20B is a radial dimension of thefastening portion 11 from the intermediatelongitudinal edge 24 to the inner circumferential surface of thefastening portion 11. The thickness T1 of thefastening portion 11 in the base end cut 20A and the thickness T2 of thefastening portion 11 in theintermediate cut 20B are both slightly larger than half the thickness of parts of thefastening portion 11 where no cut 20 is provided. - All of the
cuts 20 are formed symmetrically with respect to the lateral direction (direction orthogonal to a facing direction of the open ends 13 and the base end 18). Note that, the entireterminal body 10 including not only thecuts 20, but also the facingportions 14, thecoupling 17 and thewire connecting portion 12 is bilaterally symmetrical. - Next, an example of an operation of connecting the battery terminal in this embodiment to the battery post P is described.
- First, the
fastening portion 11 of the battery terminal is fit to the battery post P. Thefastening portion 11 is fit externally around the battery post P with a slight clearance defined therebetween. - Subsequently, the
fastening tool 60 is fastened. When thenut 62 is rotated about an axis of thebolt 61 using a tool, thenut 62 is displaced relatively down with respect to themale screw 64 and toward thehead 63. Thecam plate 50 pressed by thenut 62 is lowered gradually and the pressure surfaces 54 of thecam plate 50 press the contact surfaces 44 of the facingportions 14 inward. By this pressing action, the facingportions 14 gradually approach each other and thefastening portion 11 is deformed and reduced in diameter as an interval between the facingportions 14 is narrowed. - In an initial stage of deforming and reducing the
fastening portion 11 in diameter, thebase end part 18 of thefastening portion 11 comes into contact with the battery post P and a clearance is formed around it. As the interval between the facingportions 14 is narrowed, a lateral dimension of thefastening portion 11 is reduced. At this time, thefastening portion 11 is deformed to bend inward in parts where thebase end cuts 20A and theintermediate cuts 20B are formed. Thus, as shown inFIG. 6 , thefastening portion 11 is deformed and reduced in diameter to narrow the lateral dimension of thefastening portion 11 and to displace theopen end parts 13 toward thebase end part 18. Thus, the entire inner circumferential surface of thetubular portion 41 is held in close contact with the battery post P without leaving any clearance. Thefastening portion 11 is fastened sufficiently and fixed, and the battery terminal is connected conductively to the battery post P. At this time, as shown inFIG. 7 , thehorizontal portion 51 of thecam plate 50 is in contact with the upper surfaces of the facingportions 14. In the above way, the operation of connecting the battery terminal to the battery post P is completed. - Next, functions and effects of the embodiment configured as described above are described.
- The battery terminal of this embodiment includes the
fastening portion 11 formed to be partially open in the circumferential direction and the two facingportions 14 projecting radially out from theopen end parts 13 of thefastening portion 11 and face each other in the circumferential direction. Thefastening portion 11 is reduced in diameter and fastened to the battery post P as the facingportions 14 approach each other, and thecuts 20 are provided to partially reduce the thickness of thefastening portion 11. According to this configuration, since thecuts 20 make thefastening portion 11 easily deformed in conformity with the outer shape of the battery post P, the formation of a clearance between thefastening portion 11 and the battery post P can be suppressed. Thus, a holding force can be enhanced by entirely bringing thefastening portion 11 into surface contact with the battery post P. Further, since the deformation of the open ends 13 of thefastening portion 11 can be prevented, thefastening portion 11 can be sufficiently fastened in fastening the battery terminal to the battery post P again for maintenance or the like, with the result that a reduction of the holding force can be prevented. - Further, the battery terminal further includes the
wire connecting portion 12 to be connected to the wire and thecoupling 17 for coupling thewire connecting portion 12 and thefastening portion 11, and thecuts 20 are formed on thebase end 18 of thefastening portion 11 connected to thecoupling 17. According to this configuration, since thebase end 18 having a relatively high rigidity in thefastening portion 11 is deformed easily, the formation of a clearance between thefastening portion 11 and the battery post P can be suppressed. - Further, the
cuts 20 are provided on the intermediate parts between thebase end 18 and theopen end parts 13. According to this configuration, since the intermediate parts of thefastening portion 11 are deformed easily, the formation of a clearance between thefastening portion 11 and the battery post P can be suppressed. - Further, the
cuts 20 are formed by recessing the outer circumferential surface of thefastening portion 11. According to this configuration, the inner circumferential surface of thefastening portion 11 can be a flat surface without any unevenness. - Further, the
open end parts 13 and thebase end 18 are arranged at the substantially opposite positions across the center axis of thefastening portion 11, and thecuts 20 are symmetrical with respect to the direction orthogonal to the facing direction of theopen end parts 13 and thebase end 18. According to this configuration, theentire fastening portion 11 can be deformed easily in a well-balanced manner. - A battery terminal according to a second embodiment of the invention is described with reference to
FIG. 9 . - The battery terminal of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a thickness T1 of a
fastening portion 11 in a base end cut 20A is smaller than a thickness T2 of thefastening portion 11 in anintermediate cut 20B. Note that components substantially same as or similar to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference signs and not repeatedly described. - The battery terminal in this embodiment includes the
fastening portion 11 formed to be partially open in a circumferential direction and two facingportions 14 projecting radially out from open ends 13 of thefastening portion 11 and arranged to face each other in the circumferential direction, thefastening portion 11 is reduced in diameter and fastened to a battery post P by thefastening portions 14 approaching each other, and cuts 20 for partially reducing a thickness of thefastening portion 11 are provided. Thecuts 20 include thebase end cuts 20A formed on abase end 18 of thefastening portion 11 connected to acoupling 17, and theintermediate cuts 20B formed on intermediate parts between thebase end 18 and the open ends 13. - As in the first embodiment, the
base end cuts 20A are provided on both left and right sides of thebase 18, each base end cut 20A includes a base endlongitudinal edge 21 extending in a front-back direction, a base endlateral edge 22 extending in a lateral direction and a base end curvededge 23 curved and connected between the base endlongitudinal edge 21 and the base endlateral edge 22, and connected to and in front of cut recesses 46 of thecoupling 17. - Two of the
intermediate cuts 20B are provided on each of the left and right sides of thefastening portion 11. Theintermediate cuts 20B are provided at positions near the open ends 13 and at positions near thebase end 18 between the open ends 13 and thebase end 18. Eachintermediate cut 20B has a rectangular shape slightly longer in the circumferential direction of thefastening portion 11 and includes an intermediatelong edge 71 extending in the circumferential direction of thefastening portion 11 and two intermediateshort edges 72 extending in a radial direction. Further, a cut depth (dimension in the radial direction) of theintermediate cut 20B is smaller than that of the base end cut 20A, and a cut width (dimension in the circumferential direction) of theintermediate cut 20B is smaller than that of the base end cut 20A. All of thecuts 20 are symmetrical with respect to the lateral direction (direction orthogonal to a facing direction of the open ends 13 and the base end 18) as in the first embodiment. - The thickness T1 of the
fastening portion 11 in the base end cut 20A is smaller than the thickness T2 of thefastening portion 11 in theintermediate cut 20B. As in the first embodiment, the thickness T1 of thefastening portion 11 in the base end cut 20A is a radial dimension of thefastening portion 11 from the base end curvededge 23 to the inner circumferential surface of the fastening portion 11 (inner circumferential surface of a tubular portion 41), and the thickness T2 of thefastening portion 11 in theintermediate cut 20B is a radial dimension of thefastening portion 11 from the intermediatelong edge 71 to the inner circumferential surface of thefastening portion 11. - As described above, in this embodiment, the
cuts 20 make thefastening portion 11 easily deformed in conformity with the outer shape of the battery post P as in the first embodiment. Thus, the formation of a clearance between thefastening portion 11 and the battery post P can be suppressed. Further, the radial thickness T1 of thefastening portion 11 in the base end cut 20A is smaller than the radial thickness T2 of thefastening portion 11 in theintermediate cut 20B. Thus, theentire fastening portion 11 can be deformed easily in a well-balanced manner by making the thickness in the base end cut 20A on the morerigid base end 18 smaller than the thickness in theintermediate cut 20B. - The invention is not limited to the preceding embodiments. For example, the following embodiments also are included in the scope of the invention.
- Although the battery terminal in which the
fastening tool 60 is vertically fastened (fastened in a direction intersecting with the facing direction of the pair of facing portions 14) is illustrated in the above embodiments, there is no limitation to this. The invention can also be applied to battery terminals in which a fastening tool is laterally fastened (fastened in the facing direction of the pair of facing portions 14) or fastened along any other direction. - Although the
terminal body 10 is formed by assembling thelower member 30 and theupper member 40 in the above embodiments, there is no limitation to this. The present invention can also be applied to terminal body portions integrally or unitarily formed such as by bending a single metal plate material. - Although the facing
portions 14, thefastening portion 11, thecoupling 17 and thewire connecting portion 12 are arranged linearly side by side in the above embodiments, there is no limitation to this. The present invention can also be applied to such an arrangement in which two facing portions are located on sides at 90° from a coupling and a wire connecting portion with a fastening portion located therebetween. - Although the
cuts 20 include thebase end cuts 20A and theintermediate cuts 20B in the above embodiments, there is no limitation to this. For example, as shown inFIG. 10 , the cuts may include only thebase end cuts 20A. - Although the
cuts 20 include thebase end cuts 20A and theintermediate cuts 20B in the above embodiments, there is no limitation to this. For example, as shown inFIG. 11 , the cuts may include only theintermediate cuts 20B. - Although the
intermediate cuts 20B are provided on both left and right sides of thefastening portion 11 in the above embodiments, there is no limitation to this. For example, as shown inFIG. 12 , theintermediate cut 20B may be provided only on one side. - Although the
intermediate cuts 20B are provided at the positions near the open ends 13 and at the positions near thebase end 18 in the second embodiment, there is no limitation to this. For example, as shown inFIG. 13 , theintermediate cuts 20B may be provided only at positions near thebase end 18. - Although the
intermediate cuts 20B are provided at the positions near the open ends 13 and at the positions near thebase end 18 in the second embodiment, there is no limitation to this. For example, as shown inFIG. 14 , theintermediate cuts 20B may be provided only at positions near the open ends 13. -
- P . . . battery post
- T1 . . . thickness of fastening portion in cut on base end part
- T2 . . . thickness of fastening portion in cut on intermediate part
- 11 . . . fastening portion
- 12 . . . wire connecting portion
- 13 . . . open end
- 14 . . . facing portion
- 17 . . . coupling
- 18 . . . base end
- 20 . . . cut
- 20A . . . base end cut
- 20B . . . intermediate cut
- 42 . . . flange
Claims (9)
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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JP2016-012986 | 2016-01-27 | ||
JP2016012986A JP2017134958A (en) | 2016-01-27 | 2016-01-27 | Battery terminal |
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US20170214029A1 true US20170214029A1 (en) | 2017-07-27 |
US10418615B2 US10418615B2 (en) | 2019-09-17 |
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US15/397,775 Expired - Fee Related US10418615B2 (en) | 2016-01-27 | 2017-01-04 | Battery terminal |
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US (1) | US10418615B2 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2017134958A (en) |
CN (1) | CN107017480B (en) |
DE (1) | DE102017000150A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US10374339B2 (en) * | 2017-05-24 | 2019-08-06 | Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. | Battery terminal |
US10418615B2 (en) * | 2016-01-27 | 2019-09-17 | Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. | Battery terminal |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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JP7076280B2 (en) | 2018-04-27 | 2022-05-27 | 日立造船株式会社 | Measuring method and measuring device |
CN108749577B (en) * | 2018-06-29 | 2020-07-24 | 安徽江淮汽车集团股份有限公司 | Accumulator connector cover assembly |
DE102018215347A1 (en) * | 2018-09-10 | 2020-03-12 | Continental Automotive Gmbh | Battery pole clamp |
JP7151465B2 (en) * | 2018-12-25 | 2022-10-12 | 住友電装株式会社 | connector |
JPWO2022202770A1 (en) * | 2021-03-23 | 2022-09-29 |
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US20160254518A1 (en) * | 2013-12-12 | 2016-09-01 | Yazaki Corporation | Battery terminal |
US10056599B2 (en) * | 2013-12-12 | 2018-08-21 | Yazaki Corporation | Battery terminal |
US20160126530A1 (en) * | 2014-11-04 | 2016-05-05 | Yazaki Corporation | Battery terminal |
US20170125781A1 (en) * | 2015-11-04 | 2017-05-04 | Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. | Battery terminal and method of assembling it |
US20170229686A1 (en) * | 2016-02-09 | 2017-08-10 | Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Battery |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10418615B2 (en) * | 2016-01-27 | 2019-09-17 | Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. | Battery terminal |
US10374339B2 (en) * | 2017-05-24 | 2019-08-06 | Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. | Battery terminal |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP2017134958A (en) | 2017-08-03 |
CN107017480A (en) | 2017-08-04 |
US10418615B2 (en) | 2019-09-17 |
DE102017000150A1 (en) | 2017-07-27 |
CN107017480B (en) | 2019-12-17 |
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